We were very excited as we started heading for Beijing, as some very big ticket attractions were waiting for us there. We’d had some trouble with the ATM machines in Pingyao so we got on the train with only 12 Yuan (approx $2.30) in our pocket. This is not good in a country that is pretty much cash only.

We couldn’t find any ATM’s in the train station when we arrived at Beijing but with our money we were able to get on the metro and then walk, I mean trudge 1.5km to the hotel. 

Day 1 Tiananmen Square

There was pretty intense security around Tiananmen Square. The whole area looks like it is permanently fenced off with security check points to get in on all sides. It was very surreal to be here given the history.

Day 2 The Great Wall and Summer Palace

Today we headed out to the Mutianyu section of the great wall. We expected it to be really cold but it wasn’t. There were still some small patches of snow around but we got too hot and everyone had to shed a few layers.

The wall is impressive, runs as far as the eye can see in both directions. While we were there you could see the smog start rolling back in amongst the valleys. Unfortunately we did not have enough time here to see a lot of wall, as we had to get going to the summer palace. 

We didn’t realise the summer palace grounds were so big, encompassing a large lake and many buildings and gardens. We only had an hour to run around here, so we headed straight to the tower of Buddhist incense, and then made out way back to the gate. 

Day 3 Forbidden City

Today was the coldest day we have had so far, the wind in the Forbidden city was icy cold. This place is big, just like everything else here. There is temple after temple and large courtyards in between. The main temple, the Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest wooden structure in China.

Day 4 Silk Markets and Jingshan Park

We went to the Silk Markets to see if we could find any thing worthwhile buying. There was a heap of clothing and electronics shops but we found some little gifts there. Negotiating prices was fun, I have perfected my “that price is ridiculous” face. In the end we paid only about 20-25% of ticket price, even for some larger items.

We finished off Beijing that afternoon by climbing to the top of Jingshan Park. The view from the top shrine was amazing looking right across the Forbidden City, and the rest of Beijing.

Beijing was amazing and the weather even better. We were very lucky and had clear blue sky every day while here. It is practically unheard of and locals were sending pictures of the blue sky to each other.